Is empathy the missing link in tech integration for hybrid?

Posted by ET Group on June 24, 2022

Building the hybrid workplace requires technology integrators to pay more attention than ever to human behaviour. Canada’s ET Group is using the principles of design thinking to make empathy central to the development process.

In a world where technology is always evolving, it’s so easy to get distracted by all the bells and whistles, and forget about what actually matters: the user. 

This is a huge problem, especially when it comes to creating hybrid workplaces, because when human behaviour is not taken into account, there will be more problems created rather than solved. 

However, we are able to avoid this problem by using design thinking. And a crucial element of design thinking is empathy. Empathy allows us to focus on the human experience, and really understand the true needs and desires of the user; even some they weren’t aware they had. Through walking in their shoes, we see the problem from as many perspectives as possible.  We are able to identify all of the gaps and explore many different approaches to finding the long-term hybrid workplace solution.

That’s not to say that it’s always an easy process. The idea of a deep discovery phase can be off-putting for some clients. They assume that it’s going to be too time consuming. But that’s actually not the case. By taking the time to listen to an organization’s story, we get to the best solution much faster than if we had simply installed whatever tech is new or trendy. Plus inviting clients to be so involved allows for deeper and more trusting relationships, because they feel truly seen and understood.

Discover more reasons why empathy matters every step of the way when using design thinking, and how it opens the door for more creative and inclusive solutions by reading our latest interview with WORKTECH Academy here.


ET Group
 is a Corporate Member of WORKTECH Academy. This article is the third in a series on the role of design thinking in technology integration for the hybrid workplace. Read the first two articles here and here.

Stay connected with us:

Follow ET Group on LinkedIn

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe to ET Group’s YouTube Channel

Related Blog Posts

View all
Previous
Next

Essential Meeting Technology for Office Board Rooms

Cutting-edge meeting technologies make board rooms accessible from anywhere. Learn about the most essential options for hybrid offices with ET Group.

Read More

How Hot Desking Solutions Can Help with Finding Colleagues in a Hybrid Workplace

Discover how hot desking supports teamwork in hybrid environments by facilitating better collaboration and stronger working relationships.

Read More

Audio Visual Technology Adoption Starts with Better End User Training

Why aren’t people using your video conferencing technology—and what can you do to encourage them? Let our team at ET Group show you how providing the right end user training can give your team the confidence they need to make the most of your hybrid spaces and audio visual technology.

Read More

How to Connect Different Virtual Meeting Platforms in 2023

Hybrid work relies on effective meeting tools, but instead of trying to connect different virtual platforms, it’s often best to focus on creating a cross-compatible workspace. Learn how ET Group can help you set up popular tools like Zoom and Teams in the same space for 2023.

Read More

6 tips for more inclusive hybrid & remote meetings

The traditional concept of meetings has undergone a significant transformation. The emergence of hybrid meetings - a blend of in-person and virtual interactions - has introduced a new paradigm in how teams communicate, collaborate, and innovate.

Read More

Seven design thinking principles that will help hybrid work succeed

Read More